July 27, 2021
Minnesota Twins – Taylor Rogers threw five pitches in Monday night’s game, then exited with a finger injury. In a weird twist, this might actually raise his fantasy value over the season’s final months — assuming the injury makes him an unattractive trade target, but is mild enough that he can return to closing once he’s healthy again. No word yet on whether he’ll need an IL stint; expect an alert later today if he does.
Hierarchy remains: *Rogers | Robles | Colome.
* = closer-by-committee
Oakland A’s – Andrew Chafin was dealt to the A’s on Monday, and joins a strong bullpen where he probably won’t have as prominent a role as he did with the Cubs. We’ll tentatively add him to the hierarchy and watch how they deploy him over the next couple weeks.
Updated hierarchy: Trivino | Diekman | Chafin.
Chicago Cubs – Andrew Chafin was the favorite to take over closing duties should Craig Kimbrel be dealt, so with the trade, Ryan Tepera, Dan Winkler, and Rex Brothers all see slight increases in their value. We’d pick Tepera if forced to choose, but it’s possible he gets dealt, too. Might be last man standing, here.
Updated hierarchy: Kimbrel | Tepera | Brothers.
Seattle Mariners – After Kendall Graveman kept the game close in the 8th, the Mariners took the lead, leaving Paul Sewald to pitch the 9th for his fourth save of the year. Graveman remains the favorite for saves on most nights.
Hierarchy remains: Graveman | Sewald | Steckenrider.
VULTURE SAVE WATCH
Today
1. Austin Voth – Brad Hand has gone back to back (both bad outings) and figures to get today off, while Daniel Hudson has gone three straight and Kyle Finnegan has pitched 2.2 innings over the last two games.
2. Drew Smith – A doubleheader and bullpen game has left the entire Mets pen gassed, so look for Drew Smith and Yennsy Diaz to get innings today. Whoever goes last might get the save.
3. Ryan Tepera – Craig Kimbrel has gone back to back, including 28 pitches yesterday.
Tomorrow
1. Mike Mayers – If Raisel Iglesias goes today, it’s back to back and five of six.
